Peer Pals
There are many people want to give up smoking and in South Tyneside there are lots of ways people who have decided to stop can access support. One new approach is called ‘Peer Pals’. A Peer Pal is a member of the community who is able to give some time, some words of encouragement and a reminder for smokers that giving up is possible – and Peer Pal’s are proof of that. Public Health South Tyneside are asking for people who have successfully given up smoking, to buddy up with someone who is on the first steps of their journey. The Peer Pal isn’t there as a doctor or other medical expert but as support and encouragement.
How will it work?
If someone wants to give up smoking and thinks a Peer Pal would be helpful they’ll be connected via Public Health. Peer Pals will provide support via WhatsApp to smokers wanting to quit to ask how they’re doing and provide motivational support. Smokers may also decide to message their Peer Pal when they’re struggling and need someone who has been through it to remind them it is possible to quit and they don’t need to light that cigarette.
People will be given free training and guidance around how to be a safe Peer Pal. We will only connect a quitter with a Peer Pal if they agree this is the right way forward. All Peer Pals will have a regular check-in with the Public Health South Tyneside Peer Pal Co-ordinator for guidance and support, and smokers will continue to receive professional support from their Stop Smoking Advisor.
We know that giving up smoking can be difficult, that’s why we’re making it a community effort – if you’d like to get involved or find out more about becoming a Peer Pal, please get in touch via steven.carter@southtyneside.gov.uk. Or, if you’d like to give quitting another go yourself, please visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/smoking or call 0191 424 7300.
